The door is open to Kemps’ sunny courtyard and we can at long last say that summer reading has begun! It’s a good job too as this month sees the publication of some long-awaited paperbacks in just about every genre there is so, hopefully, there’ll be something for everyone here.

Starting with the lighter side of life, Swedish writer and plot twist master, Jonas Jonasson’s new novel is just the thing if you fancy a bit of escapism. In The Prophet and the Idiot, Jonasson sticks to his popular formula of wit mixed with a little absurdity and strong characters. If you love stories that require the willing suspension of disbelief, this writer is your man.

Staying with the humour but adding in a splattering of cosy crime darkness, comedian and author Ian Moore’s new book in the Follet Valley mystery series, Death at the Chateau, is published this month. Set in protagonist Richard Ainsworth’s French Chateau B&B during the shooting of an historical TV show, this humorous murder mystery sees Richard and his not-so-trusty sidekick, Valerie attempt to get to the bottom of the death of one of the actors. This is a great read for fans of Richard Osman or Yorkshire Dales Detective writer, Julia Chapman.

Historical fiction is one of the most popular genres here at Kemps and the team have been eagerly waiting for Morgan is My Name, the debut novel by Sophie Keetch. Taken from Arthurian legend, this compelling and rather ambivalent enchantress is perfect material for a gripping story of power and vengeance. Morgan’s father is murdered and, when her mother marries King Uther Pendragon (her father’s murderer), Morgan is forced to use all her wit and determination to protect herself. Navigating the power structures of the court, she discovers her own secret powers and becomes an able adversary to the King’s sorcerer, Merlin. This novel brings the atmospheric world of Arthurian legend into vivid detail and is a must-read for all fans of that historical fiction and fantasy crossover genre.

If you like your historical fiction more thrilling, try Robert Harris’ the entirely fictional new paperback Act of Oblivion which follows two men across the Atlantic after they are charged with the murder of King Charles I. What ensues is an epic chase across continents as those charged with bringing the two men to justice vow to stop at nothing for their victory.

If you are short of time and looking for a book that you can dip in and out of, look no further than Marple: Twelve New Stories. Each entirely new story features Agatha Christie’s famous detective, Miss Marple and they are all written by some of the best writers around today. Val McDermid’s story is possibly the best in the collection but really every story is an accomplished tribute to Christie’s crime writing genius.

Some would call him genius, others might run very quickly the other way but most would agree that Stephen King is a giant of modern twisted storytelling. His latest offering, Fairytale, is here in paperback and it is a terrifying take on the fairytale form. It also sees King return to the fantasy writing of his Dark Tower days. Fairytale is the story of seventeen-year-old Charlie who inherits the keys to a terrifying parallel world where good is pitted against evil and where he must witness and attempt to overcome all manner of illogical, strange and terrifying characters. It’s reminiscent of The Brothers Grimm in places and every bit as grisly as those darkly gothic old fairytales.

Let’s finish with some light and two rather wonderful children’s books out this month. Michael Morpurgo celebrates the beauty of trees in his new collection of poetry and stories, My Heart Was a Tree. This is a gorgeously illustrated book that, if bought as a present, will be one of those well-thumbed children’s books that is kept well into adulthood. Finally, The Magician’s Daughter is the new middle-grade novel from Caryl Lewis. Abby’s dad is a terrible magician who, after one too many disasters, is about to turn his back on showbiz. That is, until Abby finds her mum’s old spellbook and the two start to perform magic shows that have their community enthralled. However, with each performance, a spell vanishes from their magic spellbook and soon they will be left with nothing. Before the magic leaves them forever, Abby and her dad decide to go out with a bang and perform their biggest, best and final show. This is a funny and warm story that children will love to read.